FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

MARCHING BAND FEES

The cost of operating a consistent ISSMA state finalist and BOA Grand National finalist marching band program is substantial. Our program places an emphasis on our on large fundraisers, allowing us to offer one of the lowest band fees in ISSMA Class A. Fees help with a variety of band expenses, including but not limited too: music and show design, uniforms, costumes, props, transportation and sectional staff members.

Marching band fees for the Homestead Band 2020 season are $350.00 per student. You will receive a statement at your home address in late June/early July with your fees and instructions. Another fee statement will be sent after the marching season is with any charges that have been incurred throughout the band season such as shoes, flip folders, lyres, borrowed uniform items and guard uniform requirements. ** Beginning with our 2020 season, outstanding fees and expenses will be turned over to a collection agency on behalf of the band only after numerous attempts have been made to collect the fees.

Students may earn money through our various fundraisers (car wash, Rise n Roll, and the Scrip/Kroger program) to help offset or even cover the cost of band fees. Funds earned during the season will be applied to your student's escrow account (see information below). Following the marching season, you will be issued a final statement for your student if you have a balance.

Concerns about fees and possible payment plans should be directed to Mrs. Fraser, our band treasurer. The Homestead Band wants to work with you to make this rewarding experience possible for your child.

ADDITIONAL EXPENSES

MUSICIANS

Musicians are required to purchase a specific black marching shoe from Quinlan & Fabish. The band will hold a fitting and ordering day during band camp. Shoes are around $40 and will be charged to the student's escrow account.

Musicians may need to order a lyre for their instrument and a flip folder for music. Those will be ordered on the shoe fitting day and charged to the student escrow account as well.

Musicians will need tall black socks and a black t-shirt to wear under the uniform, both purchased on your own.

Students cannot order additional items if they are carrying a balance from the previous year.

COLOR GUARD

New members of the color guard are required to purchase our black warm up suit, 1 pair of body tights and a pair of nude jazz shoes. These items are fitted and ordered through the color guard staff. The total costs of these items is around $180.00. The warm up suit can be worn all 4 years of color guard. Shoes can be worn for multiple seasons and replacements can be purchased as needed.

All color guard members will be required to purchase a specific show t-shirt (around $12) and any necessary make-up for the show. Some guard members will be required to purchase a pole bag.

Color guard items are charged to the student's escrow account. Students cannot order any of the above-mentioned items if they are carrying a balance from the previous year.

CHARMS ESCROW ACCOUNT

Homestead Band uses a cloud-based music management and communication program called Charms Office which allows parents to see student and financial information and a place to make on-line payments using PayPal. Each student has an escrow account in which fund raising money is deposited. These funds may be used to pay band fees, purchased items, and trip payments. login information will be mailed to your home address in late June/early July. Our treasurer will track your student's balance with the band via their escrow account. You can check in on your balance as often as needed. All payments to your balance should be directed to our treasurer.

On a band trip year, you will also be able to follow your trip balance via Charms. NOTE: Your student must have a zero balance with the band one week prior to the trip in order to attend the trip. This includes all trip payments and any back band fees/expenses.

PAYMENTS

Financial payments can be made via cash, check or Paypal. Checks should be made out to HOMESTEAD BAND. All financial questions should be directed to Mrs. Fraser, our band treasurer. Her information can be found in your summer mailing and your handbook. Questions may also be directed to spartanalliance1@gmail.com if needed.

FUNDRAISERS

Students will have the opportunity to earn money for their own escrow account through our fundraisers. An overview of those can be found on the Fundraiser page. Details on each fundraiser will be provided in your parent folder, your handbook and throughout the season.

The Homestead Band also utilizes the popular SCRIP program to earn rebates for both the band program and your student's escrow account. Students can begin earning money via SCRIP now. Contact HHSBANDSCRIP@GMAIL.COM for more information.

SPIRIT WEAR

The marching band has a full online store from which fans can order spirit wear items. Additionally, the band will offer a year-specific tour t-shirt in early fall and,*pending qualification, a selection of ISSMA State Finals spirit wear.

Sections within the band often create their own spirit wear specific to their instrument. This is handled by the students and is optional.